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As expected, the Texas Rangers activated righthanded pitcher Tanner Scheppers from the disabled list today. To make room for him on the 25 man roster, the Rangers optioned lefthanded reliever Aaron Poreda to AAA.
Scheppers started the season as a starting pitcher, but struggled with big innings before landing on the disabled list. Now that he is off the disabled list, Scheppers will be pitching out of the bullpen, and will be looking to help fill the hole created by Alexi Ogando going to the d.l.
With Scheppers, Jason Frasor, Neal Cotts, Robbie Ross and Joakim Soria, the Rangers have the potential to have a shutdown bullpen, although it will require better performances from Cotts, Scheppers and Ross than what we've seen from them so far this season.
If the Rangers are going to stay in the playoff race, having a strong bullpen is a necessity, given the weak offense and problems with the rotation. The return of Scheppers will hopefully help in that regard.
